A Family-Friendly City Home

Shinmachi House is built on a lot size of less than 150 sq metres. It occupies a corner plot and squeezes out every available inch to create a house that answers everyone’s needs. It is spread over two storeys and covering a combined area of about 155 sq metres. The design follows a contemporary style and the combination of wood and concrete is homage to the country’s traditions, whilst also an effort to incorporate ecologically sustainable designs as much as possible.

A goldfish pond cum children's swimming pool holds the central position in the house. The living area is encircled around the pond and its strategic position helps in bringing down the temperature in summertime. Perfect for the children that can enjoy swimming and splashing with the water any time of the day.

The second floor timber balcony is not only another area where the children can play, but it is also a great thoroughfare for joining the internal living areas. The wooden floor ensures environmental friendliness and is also a nice surface for when walking around with bare feet. It is also the perfect place for the parents to watch over their children without being worried about safety.

The living, dining and kitchen space is separated by partitions. The 15 sq metres space is having large windows on three sides. Generous amount of sunlight bathes the place all day long which is particularly healthy for the young members of the family. It is compact yet highly organised and efficient. Throughout the house window and door frames are made of engineered aluminium which is affordable, lightweight and reasonably durable.

The southern area of the living room is reserved for some extra storage space. The cabinet neatly hides children’s playthings and other family essentials. The TV is set atop the cabinet. Courtesy the large windows and a clever colour scheme, the area feels airy and comfortable.

Tabata Architectural Design Firm created a kitchen island in white to generate a spacious feel. But this is duly balanced with colourful dining chairs and rugs to introduce an element of fun that are likeable to everyone, especially the children.

Instead of having traditional bunk beds, the designer incorporated a faux floor in a corner of the children’s room. Beds were then arranged in such a way that lets each child have enough freedom for oneself. High ceilings help in avoid the feelings of congestion that otherwise might have cropped in. A mountaineer’s wall is a great addition for the young ones to have some exercise indoors.

The entrance hall is but a little passage with direct accesses to the living room, ground floor guest room and indoor garage. The mono stringer wooden staircase is built following the contemporary theme of the house. Though space saving in nature, mono stringer staircase with large boulders spreading around the hallway cannot be considered too child friendly an option in this otherwise splendid example of an urban family home. The house also has roof top solar panels, which according to the architect, is capable of offsetting about 10 percent of the house’s monthly energy bills.

All in all, Shinmachi House boasts of an excellent design that makes optimal usage of space. It is built within a limited budget and is meant for the city dwellers who want to have a comfortable abode for themselves and their family members without burning holes in their pockets.

If you are searching for some more of children’s bedroom ideas then check this out.